Description
Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells is a cozy easy dinner made with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, rich tomato flavor, heavy cream, and melted cheese in one simple pot. This quick weeknight meal is perfect for family dinner ideas, comfort food cravings, easy recipe nights, and hearty food ideas when you want something creamy, filling, and ready without extra dishes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
3 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Warm olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and diced onion, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
3. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount in the pot for flavor.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring it into the beef.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir in the pasta shells and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring often, until the shells are tender.
9. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until warmed through.
10. Add cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use medium pasta shells for the best texture because they hold the creamy beef sauce in every bite.
Stir the pasta often while it simmers so the shells cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth, milk, or cream until it becomes smooth again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, one-pot pasta, ground beef pasta, family dinner ideas, comfort food, easy recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas